John Endecott (1588-1665)

He was born in England and was a soldier and surgeon until becoming a member of the Massachusetts Bay Company in 1627. The following year, he landed in Salem having been selected to be the company's agent in America. In 1629, the company elected him Governor, until superseded by John Winthrop in 1630. During his time in the colony he served - with the exception of just one year - as either Assistant, Deputy-Governor, or Governor. His 16-terms as Governor were the longest of any chief executive in the colony's history and his previous military experience saw him become the colony's de facto Commander-in-Chief. He died at Boston leaving two sons, the younger of whom, Zerubabbel, is the ancestor of all his present-day descendants.